Adhesif is a Vancouver clothing company that produces locally made, memorable “one of a kind” pieces using quality recycled materials. Every garment is well thought out and handmade by local designer/principal Melissa Ferreira. Scout caught up with Melissa just prior to One of a Kind, where the designer will be showing her latest Fall fashions.

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Indie Profile

Three things about your neighbourhood that make you want to live there: I work and live around Commercial Drive. It is by far my most favourite neighbourhood in Vancouver. There is so much culture, great food, great entertainment and the vibe is really chill.

What inspires you? Many subjects inspire my creations. Mainly I’d say vintage clothing from the 30’s to the 60’s as well as some of the elaborate costumes worn in vintage films. I’d also like to mention people watching…that’s a big one.

Tell us about your favourite space to work: Well, I recently moved into a 2200 sq ft warehouse with 6 other designers, after working on my own for over 3 years. It’s been really great to have other creative minds around and to bounce ideas and share information. On top of that, the warehouse is kind of old and rickety and it sort of feels like a little haven in the middle of nowhere…sort of secret agent type stuff.

What is your favourite Adhesif design right now? Oooh that one’s easy, definitely the “Tawleed Bubble Dress” from my F/W 09 Collection! It is made from a collage of reclaimed vintage tweeds and has this sort of tailored, couture feel about it. It’s luxurious, flattering yet still playful and functional as there are deep side pockets on the skirt and elastic on the back of the bodice so it doesn’t feel restricting.

What sort of music do you listen to when you are working? Ha ha…well right now I’m listening to Neil Young…but my musical tastes are really quite eclectic. I love vintage blues and jazz like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker but I also like rock from the 60’ s and 70’s

Why is Vancouver a good city for independent design? Well, being that I am not originally from Vancouver I can honestly say in the last 15 years that I’ve been here that I’ve seen a tonne of development in this city. It’s a young city as apposed to Montreal and Toronto. There is a definite advantage in this as I feel there is a thirst from many savvy individuals for something new and innovative.

Is there a local designer or artist who you admire above all others? Wow…there are really too many to narrow it down to just one! There is such incredible talent in this city! From visual artists to designers and musicians this city has so much to offer…you just need to explore! A good place to start is the Portobello West market which is the last Sunday of every month, all year long!

Best Vancouver place to be inspired by emerging artistic talent: You can find inspiration in the most unlikely of places. All you have to do is look around you. I find inspiration from buskers and street performances, although there was once this place called the Sugar Refinery at Granville and Helmecken…that place was the absolute BEST place for emerging artists. Alas, they closed many years ago and I’ve been bummed ever since. Now I just wander the streets…thus the current enjoyment of street buskers.

Best Vancouver location for people watching: I don’t know that there is a “Best” location for people watching…people are everywhere, just plop yourself down on a stoop and get watching!

Three websites you visit every day: I frequent Facebook, Lookbook and my website, www.adhesifclothing.com.

Three places you like to take out of town guests: The Reef, The Templeton and my studio.

Where do you enjoy shopping in Vancouver? I actually go to a lot of thrift stores for most of what I buy, it’s amazing what you can find if you enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Honestly? I feel like there are so many great quality second hand items that exist in the world that there really isn’t a lot of reason to buy “new” items. Plus new items aren’t built to last anymore. I also like vintage clothing shops like “Used” on Granville Street and Erin Templeton’s store on Pender and Carroll.

If you were to choose one article of Adhesif design clothing to send to the Queen, which one would you choose, and why? The Queen? Like of England? She’s a tough one…I don’t really work with pastels…can I get back to you on that one?

Where can Vancouverites find Adhesif ? Adhesif can be found at various boutiques that support independently made designs like Forsya (2206 Main Street) Dream (311 W.Cordova) Halfmoon (1650 Johnston Street Granville Island) Also appointments are welcome at my studio, address can be found at www.adhesifclothing.com.

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